Modular electronic building systems with magnetic interconnections and methods of using the same

ABSTRACT

Electrical connectors, electrical modules, and systems are provided. In one aspect, an electrical connector includes a housing defining a side surface, an electrical conductor supported by the housing and including an engagement portion proximate the side surface of the housing. The engagement portion is adapted to engage another electrical conductor of another electrical connector. The connector also includes a magnet supported by the housing proximate the side surface of the housing, a projection extending from the side surface of the housing, and a receptacle defined in the side surface of the housing. In other aspects, an electrical module includes at least one of these electrical connectors. In further aspects, a system includes a plurality of these modules and the modules are selectively couplable together.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/463,510, entitled “Modular Electronic Building Systems with MagneticInterconnections and Methods of Using the Same,” filed Mar. 20, 2017,which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/975,923,entitled “Modular Electronic Building Systems with MagneticInterconnections and Methods of Using the Same,” filed Aug. 26, 2013,now U.S. Pat. No. 9,597,607, which claims priority to and the benefit ofU.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/728,103, entitled “ModularElectronic Building Systems with Magnetic pnInterconnections and Methodsof Using the Same,” filed Nov. 19, 2012, and which is acontinuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/593,891, nowU.S. Pat. No. 9,019,718, entitled “Modular Electronic Building Systemswith Magnetic Interconnections and Methods of Using the Same,” filedAug. 24, 2012, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 61/527,860, filed Aug. 26, 2011, each of the disclosuresof which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of electronics and, moreparticularly, to electronic building blocks and toy building sets.

BACKGROUND

Currently, people spend many hours a day with technological devices, butmost don't know how they work, or how to make their own. For all theinteractivity of these devices, people are bound to passive consumption.Furthermore, playing, creating, or integrating electronics intoprojects, toys and products is intimidating, time consuming, requires anexpert skill set, as well as specialized hardware/software platforms.People are afraid to connect electronic objects the wrong way, or toelectrocute themselves. This makes building objects with lights, sounds,buttons and other electronic components very difficult and prohibitiveto kids, young students, designers, non-engineers, and others lackingnecessary experience. But as advances in the miniaturization oftechnology increase, electronics need to become more accessible tonon-experts in a cost effective manner.

It becomes therefore clear that there is an opportunity and need tocreate a simple, easy to use, accessible electronic building blockplatform that can still enable the creation of complex, interdependentsystems. Such a platform would enhance learning, enable 21st centuryexperimentation and promote innovation. Also, what is needed is a systemthat acts like an additional material in the creative process and allowschildren and adults to combine and incorporate the system or its partswith other traditional materials such as paper, cardboard and screws.

The following references provide background information and are herebyincorporated by reference in their entirety: Ayah Bdeir, (2009),Electronics as material: littleBits, In Proceedings of the 3rdInternational Conference on Tangible and Embedded Interaction (TEI '09),ACM, New York, N.Y., USA, 397-400, DOI=10.1145/1517664.1517743, athttp://doi.acm.org/10.1145/1517664.1517743; and Ayah Bdeir and TedUllrich, (2010), Electronics as material: littleBits, In Proceedings ofthe fifth international conference on Tangible, embedded, and embodiedinteraction (TEI '11), ACM, New York, N.Y., USA, 341-344,DOI=10.1145/1935701.1935781, athttp://doi.acm.org/10.1145/1935701.1935781.

SUMMARY

In some exemplary aspects, an electronic educational toy or buildingsystem is provided that teaches the logic of programming and circuitbuilding without requiring expertise in either. The modular blockbuilding system consists of pre-assembled printed circuit boards (PCB)interconnected by small magnets. Each block performs one or morediscrete functions (e.g., an LED, a pushbutton, a light sensor with athreshold, etc.), and the blocks can be combined to create largercircuits. Some blocks respond to external events such as mechanicalforces, touch, proximity, radio frequency signals, environmentalconditions, etc. Other blocks are pre-programmed such as synthesizers,oscillators, etc. Still other blocks simply pass current like wireblocks. Yet other blocks provide current such as power blocks/modules.

In some aspects, the system includes modules having many differentmanners of interaction between the modules. The interaction betweenmodules, not the modules themselves, may form the building blocks of thecreative platform. In previous electronic kits the electronic componentmay be at the center of the manipulation: resistors, capacitors,batteries, etc. By manipulating the modules in those kits, childrenlearn how electricity flows, how to design a circuit, or how to identifycomponents. This knowledge, however, is application specific andfeatures only a single circuit. It has little or no bearing on how thetouch sensitive wheel of an iPodTM works, for example, or how anightlight works, or how a cell phone vibrates, or how a phone candetect rotation and automatically rotate images on the screen inresponse to that rotation, or how to make one's own objects that havethat interactivity. While we are a society obsessed with increasinglycomplex electronic devices (such as, for example, DVD players, MP3players, cell phones, smoke alarms), the current learning tools on themarket only teach the very basics of electronics and electricity, suchas allowing us to turn on a light or see current flow. There is awidening gap between what is taught to the average American and what isboth used and consumed by that American. This is also why mostelectronic kits and toys are very short-lived in that the kits and toysare not relevant to user's day-to-day life. To date, there is no way forchildren or adults to be able to create their own interactive objectswith custom-designed interactive behavior, without having to program orlearn the many complexities involved with advanced electronics. With thepresent modular system, people will be able to program interactivityintuitively and in a tangible way.

The description and drawings herein are meant as an illustration of oneor more exemplary embodiments of the invention, but should not beconsidered limiting or restrictive. As such, there are a number ofmanners of modification without departing from the spirit and scope ofthe invention. In the following text, the words block and module may beused interchangeably to signify the modular circuit boards.

The modules may be divided into categories corresponding to theirfunction. Examples of categories include, but are not limited to: powermodules, input modules, output modules, wire modules, etc. Power modulesfor instance take current from a battery, a wall wart, or other powersource, and convert it into current feeding the other components of thesystem. In any working configuration of modules, there may be at leastone power module. Input modules include, but are not limited to:buttons, switches, sensors, logic blocks, etc. Output modules include,but are not limited to: LEDs, displays, sound modules, etc. Wire modulesdo not perform a particular function, but act as wire extensions,configuration changers, and in some cases logic and state modules.

In one exemplary embodiment, standalone blocks are provided that mayenable users, with little or no electronics or programming experience,to construct basic and complex sensor and interaction-based analog anddigital circuits.

In another exemplary embodiment, the general electrical operation of thesystem is as follows. All modules may include a standard interface andcommunicate automatically when connected. Each module includes threeelectrical lines and such lines are interconnected between andthroughout all modules. These lines include Power, Signal and Ground. Atthe power modules, Power and Signal lines are at 5 Volts, the system islow power, and the Power and Ground lines are shared among all themodules. In other exemplary embodiments, the power may be somethingother than 5 Volts such as, for example, 3V, 9V, 12V, 15V, alternatingcurrent (AC), etc. Input modules take the incoming control Signal line,and manipulate it according to the module's function, and output themodified Signal voltage. In the case of a pressure sensor connected to apower module, for instance, the sensor module takes 5 Volts into theSignal line, and outputs a voltage between 0 and 5 Volts depending onthe amount of pressure applied to the sensor. Output modules respond tothe Signal line by “visualizing” the voltage in light, sound, display orother forms.

All modules are pre-assembled, pre-engineered, and contain the logic andcircuitry required to make the component readily usable. For instance,an LED module contains a resistor corresponding to its current rating,an Operation Amplifier (OpAmp) as a buffer from the remainder of thecircuit, and a coin cell battery module incorporates a dischargeprotection circuit. In some exemplary embodiments, the system requiresno prior knowledge of electronics and does not require any hardware orsoftware platform. In other exemplary embodiments, the system mayinclude a hardware and/or software platform. Also, in some exemplaryembodiments, since the modules do not need to be programmed and do notrequire a central circuit controlling them, the system is standalone anddoes not need a computer or hub. However, according to one exemplaryembodiment, the system may be connected to a device such as a computer,hub, memory storage, or personal electronic mobile device such as acellular phone, smart phone, etc., in order to create additionalfunctionality or to retrieve information or power from the device.

In some aspects, the modules are designed to couple together and cascadeone after the next. The modules include magnetic connectors that ensureelectrical connectivity and may be developed and mounted on the PCB. Themagnetic connectors may be in male form and female form, and in someexamples may correspond to north and south faces of magnets. Forstandard blocks, each block may have two magnetic connectors mounted onit, one with the north face of the magnet(s) facing out and the otherwith the south face of the magnet(s) facing out. The south facing sideof the magnetic connector of one module connects to the north facingside of the magnetic connector on the next module. This ensures properconnection and appropriate polarity. The repelling polarities inhibitthe magnets from connecting in an inappropriate manner to facilitateconnecting of the modules in the correct manner.

In another exemplary embodiment, the magnetic connector includes twomagnets and three conductors embedded in an injection molded plasticbody. The two magnets act as polarizing and locking elements, whereasthe conductors carry the signal from one circuit board to the nextthrough the mating of the male and female connectors. In the maleversion of the connector, the three conductors are spring probes. On thefemale version of the connector, the conductors may either be springprobes or small metal plates. Either way, the spring probes or the metalplates come into contact with the spring probes of the male connectorand transfer the electrical signals into the circuit board. The magneticconnector also features an interlocking system as part of the plasticcasing in the form of male and female complementary components. In oneexample, a male protrusion is included on one block and a femaleindentation is included on a second block. The protrusion andindentation cooperate to inhibit the blocks from sliding with respect toeach other. In another example, a male protrusion and a femaleindentation are included on each block and the male protrusions and thefemale indentations on interfacing blocks cooperate to inhibit theblocks from sliding with respect to each other.

According to one exemplary embodiment, the magnetic connector alsofeatures an interlocking system as part of the plastic casing in orderto inhibit the modules from sliding side-to-side with respect to eachother, and to ensure that the modules are assembled in the correctorientation (i.e., to inhibit an upside-down connection). To inhibitside-to-side movement, the connectors can include a protrusion on themale or female side that corresponds to an indentation on thecorresponding female or male side. Once the modules are connected, theprotrusion enters the indentation and the modules are sufficientlylocked together such that side-to-side movement is inhibited. In anotherembodiment, the connectors can include a tabbed feature to inhibitside-to-side movement. For example, as shown in FIG. 12, the portion ofthe connector nearest the circuit board (the “base”) includes both arounded tab that protrudes laterally from the connector and a roundedindentation adjacent to the tab. A corresponding connector will includea rounded tab and indent in a configuration such that when the twoconnectors are adjoined, the rounded tab of the first connector insertsinto the rounded protrusion of the second connector, and the rounded tabof the second connector inserts into the rounded protrusion of the firstconnector, thereby locking the two connectors together such thatside-to-side movement is prevented. To prevent upside-down connections,the connectors can include one or more protrusions. For example, asshown in FIG. 12, the portion of the connector furthest from the circuitboard (the “top”) includes a series of horizontal protrusions. When twomodules are adjoined by the user, the horizontal protrusions on the twomodules will properly align. Further, due to the rounded tab at thebottom of the connector, as shown in FIG. 12 for example, if a secondconnector was adjoined upside-down, the horizontal protrusions of thesecond connector would hit the rounded tab of the first connector andprevent the two connectors from properly adjoining.

In addition to the previously described exemplary connectors, manymodifications to the connectors are possible, including, but not limitedto, the casing, the type of conductors used, the number of conductors,as well as whether or not the magnets are acting as conductors, thenumber of magnets, the shape of the magnets, the polarity of themagnets, the manner in which the connectors couple to the circuit boardof the block, etc.

In order for the system to be expressive and broaden, rather thanconstrain creativity, the number of available modules needs to beplenty. In general, only having a few nuts and bolts in the prototypingprocess is not very helpful, and alternatively can even be prohibitive.The present invention allows for the addition of new modules accordingto the interconnection and voltage standards. For example, starting froma set of a hundred modules, we can imagine and design hundreds orthousands of additional modules that fit and cooperate with the presentsystem to extend the system's functionality. For example, we canpotentially build modules such as galvanic skin sensors, arsenicdetectors, microcontroller modules, etc., as well as adapter boards toother electronic block building systems and interfaces.

At least one exemplary embodiment has been designed to allow for complexbehaviors programmed through physical interaction. The set featureslogic and state modules that introduce the concept of programming tonovices. Examples of such modules are the AND, OR and NOT blocks, aswell as the Threshold block. These enable the user to program certainbehaviors of his/her designed system without needing to learn aprogramming language, to write code on a computer, or to program amicrocontroller circuit. Programming here is done through using logicmodules to create decision trees. Also, modules feature controls such asswitches, knobs and buttons that enable selection of modes of behavior.Just like a blender can have three buttons, each button corresponding toa particular speed of its motor, some modules in the present inventionallow for the selection of a mode or adjustment of their behavior. Forinstance, a proximity sensor block can contain a mode switch and apotentiometer. Through the manipulation of the embedded potentiometer,the threshold level can be set, determining the input voltage levelbeyond which the module should output a high. Also, by flipping theswitch, the module can go from normally-high to normally-low, in essenceinverting its response to the desired threshold.

All blocks may be designed with space constraints in mind and may bekept at the minimum size possible in order to make the blocks easilyintegrable with other materials such as, for example, cardboard,plastic, pipe cleaners, etc. The blocks are user friendly in their lookas well as their size, and make playing and prototyping with themattractive to children and adults alike regardless of the goal.

The modules may be offered as individual blocks or as sets. These canrange from standard block components to specialized sets such as sensorsets, mechanical sets, biological sets, sound sets, etc. Also, users candesign and build their own modules or sets to extend the library.

In some aspects, an electrical connector is provided and includes ahousing defining a side surface, an electrical conductor supported bythe housing and including an engagement portion proximate the sidesurface of the housing, wherein the engagement portion is adapted toengage another electrical conductor of another electrical connector, amagnet supported by the housing proximate the side surface of thehousing, a projection extending from the side surface of the housing,and a receptacle defined in the side surface of the housing.

In other aspects, an electrical module is provided and includes acircuit board and an electrical connector. The electrical connectorincludes a housing defining a side surface, an electrical conductorsupported by the housing and including a coupling portion and anengagement portion, wherein the coupling portion is adapted to engageand electrically communicate with the circuit board, and wherein theengagement portion is proximate the side surface of the housing, amagnet supported by the housing proximate the side surface of thehousing, a projection extending from the side surface of the housing,and a receptacle defined in the side surface of the housing.

In further aspects, a system is provided and includes a plurality ofelectrical modules selectively couplable together to transmit electricalcurrent from one electrical module to another electrical module, eachmodule has at least one functionality associated therewith and includesan electrical connector adapted to couple to an electrical connector ofanother one of the electrical modules, wherein, with the electricalconnectors coupled together, a functionality of at least one of theplurality of electrical modules is dependent upon at least another oneof the plurality of electrical modules.

In still other aspects, a system is provided and includes a plurality ofelectrical modules adapted to be selectively coupled to one another,wherein the plurality of electrical modules include at least a firstelectrical module and a second electrical module, the first electricalmodule including a first circuit board, and a first electrical connectorincluding a first housing, a first electrical conductor supported by thefirst housing and including a first coupling portion and a firstengagement portion, wherein the first coupling portion is adapted toengage and electrically communicate with the first circuit board, afirst magnet supported by the first housing, a first projectionextending from the first housing, and a first receptacle defined in thefirst housing. The second electrical module includes a second circuitboard, and a second electrical connector including a second housing, asecond electrical conductor supported by the second housing andincluding a second coupling portion and a second engagement portion,wherein the second coupling portion is adapted to engage andelectrically communicate with the second circuit board, a second magnetsupported by the second housing, a second projection extending from thesecond housing, and a second receptacle defined in the second housing,wherein, with the first electrical module coupled to the secondelectrical module, the first magnet is magnetically coupled to thesecond magnet, the first engagement portion engages the secondengagement portion, the first projection is at least partiallypositioned within the second receptacle, and the second projection is atleast partially positioned within the first receptacle.

The present invention is capable of various modifications andalternative constructions, some of which are detailed in the drawingsbelow. However, it should be clear that the intention is not to limitthe invention to a particular embodiment or form, but rather the presentinvention should cover changes, additions and modifications as part ofits scope.

Independent features and independent advantages of the present inventionwill become apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of thedetailed description and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top view of an exemplary module of the system;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the module shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a top view of a set of three modules before connecting thethree modules;

FIG. 4 is a top view of the three modules shown in FIG. 3 afterconnection to illustrate how the modules connect together using magneticconnectors of the modules;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a magneticconnector of a module;

FIG. 6 is a top view of the magnetic connector shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is an exemplary; configuration of four modules;

FIG. 8 is a top view of an exemplary module of the system featuringcontrols;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an exemplary set of three modules of thesystem including one module illustrating physical programming throughcontrols;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an exemplary packaged kit including aplurality of exemplary modules and an exemplary mounting board formounting modules;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an exemplary wire module of the system;

FIG. 12 is a top perspective view of an exemplary output module of thesystem;

FIG. 13 is a top perspective view of another exemplary output module ofthe system;

FIG. 14 is a top perspective view of an exemplary input module of thesystem;

FIG. 15 is a top perspective view of another exemplary input module ofthe system;

FIG. 16 is a top perspective view of an exemplary power input module ofthe system;

FIG. 17 is a top perspective view of an exemplary multi-module kit ofthe system;

FIG. 18 is a top perspective view of other exemplary modules and anotherexemplary mounting board of the exemplary system, each module includingat least one of another exemplary connector for coupling togethermodules;

FIG. 19 is a bottom perspective view of two coupled together modulesshown in FIG. 18;

FIG. 20 is a top exploded view of one of the modules shown in FIG. 18;

FIG. 21 is a top exploded view of one of the connectors shown in FIG.18;

FIG. 22 is a bottom perspective view of two exemplary modules coupledtogether and an exemplary support member coupled to two of theconnectors;

FIG. 23 is a top perspective view of the support member shown in FIG.22;

FIG. 24 is a top perspective view of an exemplary mounting board coupledto an exemplary configuration of toy building blocks;

FIG. 25 is a bottom perspective view of the mounting board and exemplarytoy building blocks shown in FIG. 24;

FIGS. 26A-26D are each a schematic illustration of a top view of adifferent embodiment of a module; and

FIGS. 27A-27B are each a schematic illustration of a top view of adifferent embodiment of a module.

Before any independent features and embodiments of the invention areexplained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is notlimited in its application to the details of the construction and thearrangement of the components set forth in the following description orillustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of otherembodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in variousways. Also, it is understood that the phraseology and terminology usedherein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded aslimiting. For example, directional terms such as “top”, “bottom”,“above”, “below”, “front”, “back”, etc. are not intended to be limitingand are used for describing the exemplary illustrated embodimentsherein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

An exemplary electronic building system 30 is provided. The electronicbuilding system 30 is not only meant for use with pre-designedcomponents and modules 34, but can also allow users to combine thosemodules 34 with other traditional prototyping and playing items in adesign studio or home. Such materials may include, for example, paper,cardboard, wood, glue, pipe cleaners, foam, etc., thereby encouragingindividuals to treat electronics like a material in the creativeprocess.

In some exemplary embodiments, the system 30 may include at least fourdifferent types of modules 34: power; input; output; and wire; althoughmore types of modules 34 are possible. Power modules 34 provideelectricity to the system 30. Input modules 34 interpret data or theirsurroundings and provide that input to the system 30. Output modules 34make visual, physical, or audible changes to their surroundings based oninput(s) to the system 30. Wire modules 34 route power and communicationbetween the modules 34 in the system 30.

According to one exemplary embodiment, when a first module 34 isconnected to a second module 34, the power signal is transferred fromthe first module 34 to the second module 34. Accordingly, the secondmodule 34 is powered entirely by the first module 34. If a button module34, sensor module 34, or other module 34 is placed somewhere between afirst module 34 and a second module 34, the current may be affected bythe action of the button module 34 or sensor module 34. For example,current may not pass (or, alternatively, may continuously pass) from thefirst module 34 to the second module 34 unless the button on the buttonmodule 34 is depressed or the sensor on the sensor module 34 isactivated. Similarly, if a sensor module 34 is only partially activated,then only partial current is transferred from the first module 34 to thesecond module 34.

Many different types of modules 34 are possible in each category,including but not limited to the following: (i) power modules: wallpower modules, battery power modules, solar power modules, dischargeprotection circuits; (ii) input modules: pulse modules, pressure sensormodules, proximity modules, input recording modules, potentiometermodules, button modules, temperature modules, accelerometer modules,memory modules, timer modules; (iii) output modules: motion modules,vibration motor modules, fan modules, RGB LED modules, LED modules, bargraph modules, speaker modules; and (iv) wire modules: wire modules ofvarious lengths, extender modules, splitter modules, andelectroluminescent wire modules. Any known type of circuit or electroniccomponent or combination of components may be used to create a module 34and thus form a portion of a system 30 built using such components.

The modular system 30 described herein is reusable, scalable from smalland simple circuits to large and complex circuits, and are sophisticatedenough to allow for complex programming of behavior through manipulatingtangible objects (using logic and state modules 34). Additionally, justas programmers use software modules and libraries to create bigger andmore complex software programs, the modules 34 are transformed into alibrary of electronic components that can be used to create bigger andmore complex components or systems. Indeed, a user can expand the modulelibrary almost indefinitely, adding any new component that they wish touse to their module repository.

Users can even create their own modules 34 and add them to the rest ofthe library. For example, according to one exemplary embodiment, usersmay be provided with components of a module 34—such as male magneticconnectors 38A and female magnetic connectors 38B that are able to snaponto or otherwise couple to a small circuit board, sensor, or otherelectronic component such that the connectors 38A/38B transmit currentfrom one module 34 to another—that they can use to create their owninter-connectable modules 34 built from circuit board, sensors, oroutput mechanisms that they have built or gathered from another source.

According to another exemplary embodiment, a system 30 comprisingseveral modules 34 may be commercialized as a single kit or set. The kitmay include one or more different modules 34 (power, input, output,and/or wire), may comprise one or more different types of each module34, a container in which to store the modules 34, a mounting board orsubstrate upon which to place or couple modules, may include learningmaterials, accessories, instructions, or a variety of other components.For example, a kit may comprise a handful of modules 34 that may beconnected in an almost unlimited number of combinations to performnumerous different input and output functions (see FIGS. 10 and 17). Inother exemplary embodiments, the kit may also comprise a limited numberof modules 34 that are intended to be assembled in a limited number ofcombinations, including a single combination, to perform a limitednumber of functions. For example, to comprise a kit that is intended tobe built into a functional system, the kit can comprise as many as tensor hundreds or more modules 34, or it can comprise just two modules 34(a power module and an output module). Alternatively, the kit may beintended to augment an existing module library, in which case it maycomprise just one type of module 34, such as a kit of only wire modules34 or only output modules 34, for example. The kits may also be directedto a certain age group, with a kit for the elementary level comprisingfewer and/or less complicated modules 34 than a kit designed for thehigh school level, for example. In one exemplary embodiment, the kitsmay include instructions, videos, or other means which inform the useras to one or more possible combinations of the modules 34. For example,the instructions may instruct the user how to assemble the modules 34into a battery-powered motion sensor that emits an audible alarm upondetection of movement.

One potential aspect of the exemplary kits, systems, and modules may beto extend the concept of the modular platform into more complexcomponents. According to one exemplary embodiment, the system 30 isadapted to give access to sophisticated devices through, for example,simple three-line analog interfaces. Exemplary complex devices mayinclude, but are not limited to, LCD displays, OLED screens, timers,accelerometers, logic gates, and many more. This may be accomplished bypre-engineering all modules 34 and providing “entry points” into thedevices. The entry points are, for example, knobs or switches that allowthe user to adjust the intensity or frequency of pulsing, flip modes ofoperation, set thresholds, make decisions, or remember a configuration,among many other operations. These may be considered “entry points”because they are based on similar devices that people know how to usefrom their everyday lives. The exemplary modular systems describedherein may take lessons and iconography from consumer electronics (suchas, for example, blenders, DVD players, alarm clocks, game consoles) andapply them to these semi-raw electronic modules 34. In this way, themodular system 30 may treat electronic components like they areelectronic devices. This means the learning curve for using and creatingwith the modular system 30 is very low, and the user's pre-existingknowledge obtained from manipulating their own consumer electronics maybe taken advantage of to allow the users to program new objects throughinteraction.

An exemplary entry point may include an OLED screen module 34 whichrequires an SD card slot in which users can insert an SD card preloadedwith images and video. The OLED screen module 34 may also include amicrocontroller on-board which is pre-programmed with firmware to accessand display the images. Also integrated in the OLED screen module 34 maybe a toggle switch and a knob, where the toggle switch selects betweenfixed images/video or looping and the knob adjusts the looping speed. Inthe above example, even though the circuit-board and firmware itself maybe complex, the end result will be an easy-to-use OLED screen module 34with appropriate iconography that may be accessible to children andnovice users alike. The exemplary system 30 may allow for and includethe pre-engineering and design of numerous other complex modules 34similar to the OLED screen example.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, an exemplary module or block 34 of theelectronic building system 30 is illustrated (exemplary systems 30illustrated in FIGS. 3, 4, 7, 9, and 10). The illustrated block 34 is atact switch module 34 or a pushbutton, and illustrates how discreteelectronic components are turned into blocks 34. A pushbutton component42 is coupled (e.g., soldered) onto a Printed Circuit Board 46 that hastwo interfaces, the input interface and the output interface. A magneticconnector is mounted at each of the two interfaces. In some exemplaryembodiments, the magnetic connectors may be the same type of connector.In other exemplary embodiments, the connectors may include a maleconnector 38A on the input interface side and a female connector 38B onthe output interface side.

The input interface of the tact switch module 34 in FIG. 1 is designedto couple with the output interface of a previous module 34, and theoutput interface of the illustrated module 34 is designed to couple withthe input interface of the next module 34. The module 34 featureselectrical traces designed to complete connections between two engaginginterfaces for a Power line and a Ground line. A Signal line goesthrough the button 42, which makes or breaks the circuit, and thustransfers a modified Signal line to the output interface correspondingto the module function. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, themagnetic connectors 38A/B are coupled (e.g., soldered) to the PCB 46 byway of surface mount pads. The above-described drawing also illustratesthe modular design of the system 30, as well as the connection andcommunication standards that make the system 30.

An exemplary configuration of an electronic building system 30 isillustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4 and includes the exemplary tact switchmodule shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. In these figures and the figureshereafter, different modules will be identified with a common referencenumber “34” and a letter (e g , 34C, 34D, 34E, etc.) associated witheach different module. Likewise, similar components between the moduleswill be identified with similar reference numbers and a lettercorresponding to the letter associated with the module (e.g., module34F, connector 38F, circuit board 46F, etc.).

In FIGS. 3 and 4, an exemplary tact switch module 34A is shown in themiddle between a wall power module 34B and a Light Emitting Diode (LED)module 34C. The male connector 38A on the tact switch module 34A isattracted to the female connector 38B on the wall power module 34B viathe magnetic connectors described in detail below. The same manner ofcoupling applies to the tact switch module 34A and the LED module 34C,which contains a dip package LED component 50 coupled (e.g., soldered)to the PCB 46C. When the magnetic connectors in the three illustratedmodules 34 couple together as in FIG. 4, and the user pushes down thetact switch 42 of the switch module 34A, the circuit is completed andthe LED 50 illuminates. The power module 34B has a power adapterconnector 54 that delivers DC voltage to the power module 34B. Thepre-integrated circuitry in the power module 34B then drops down thevoltage to a required voltage such as, for example, 5 Volts in thepresent example. Note that if the tact switch module 34A is removed frombetween the two other modules, the LED module 34C will be attracted tothe power module 34B and LED 50 will remain illuminated at all times. Inthe above mentioned scenario, there is one power block (the wall power),one input block (the switch) and one output block (the LED). It shouldbe understood that the exemplary blocks 34 may be replaced by otherblocks 34 having other functionality. For example, the LED block 34C maybe replaced by a buzzer block and, when the button is pressed, thebuzzer makes an audible sound. Hundreds of other combinations arepossible with different blocks having different functionality allforming different circuits, with immediate response of the elements, andwithout any need for programming, soldering or circuit assembly.

Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 6, an exemplary embodiment of a magneticconnector is illustrated. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, theconnector is a male magnetic connector 38A. Female magnetic connectorsmay be similar to the male connector except the female connectors mayhave spring probes 66 that project less from the connector. In someexemplary embodiments, a pair of magnetic connectors 38A/B areelectrically coupled to a PCB 46 to provide a module 34. Alternatively,any number of magnetic connectors may be electrically coupled to a PCB46, including one, and be within the intended spirit and scope of thepresent invention. The illustrated exemplary magnetic connector 38A,male version here, includes a housing 58 in which two magnets 62 aremolded with surface poles exposed that act as the polarizing and lockingelements between modules 34. In some exemplary embodiments, the housing58 may be made of a non-conductive material such as plastic. Embedded inthe housing 58 are three electrical conductors or spring probes 66 thatare responsible for carrying the current from one module 34 to the nextmodule 34. In addition and for extra support, the magnetic connector 38Ais mounted on the PCB 46 through mounting tabs 70 on both sides of theconnector 38A. The male connector described above mates with a femaleconnector that looks similar, however, the spring probes 66 in thefemale connector may be replaced with metal plates, and the magnetexposed surface is opposite to that of the male connector. In otherexemplary embodiments, the spring probes 66 in the female connector maybe similar to the spring probes 66 in the male connector except they mayproject less from the connector housing 58 than the spring probes 66 ofthe male connector. Also note that each connector (both male and female)includes a protrusion 71 and an indentation or receptacle 72 in thehousing 58. The protrusions 71 are adapted to insert and mate withindentations 72 in other connectors when the connectors are coupledtogether. This engagement between protrusions 71 and indentations 72inhibits the blocks 34 from sliding with respect to each other. Thisdesign ensures that blocks 34 couple together to inhibit sliding betweenthe blocks 34 and also facilitate coupling the blocks 34 in the correctmanner. Users have a difficult time making mistakes or dangerouselectrical connections as is often possible with other electroniccomponents. This makes the present electronic building system 30accessible and friendly for children, non-engineers, and users who havelittle or no experience in electronics.

While the connector 38A shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 includes three springprobes 66, any number of spring probes 66, including just one or manymore than three, may be used to accommodate electrical current and/orcommunication from one module 34 to the next module 34. For example, theconnector 38A may include four, five, six, or more electrical lines.Further, many means other than spring probes may be used to transmitelectrical current and/or communication from one module 34 to anothermodule 34, as would be recognized by one of skill in the art. In eachsystem, the female connector 38B may be structured to appropriatelyreceive the spring probes 66 or other current-transmission means fromthe male connector 38A, such that current is properly transmittedbetween the connectors 38A/B and the modules 34. In other exemplaryembodiments, the connectors may not include a female connector and amale connector, but, rather, may include two similarly structuredconnectors that mate and facilitate transfer of electrical currentand/or electrical communication from one module 34 to another module 34.

With reference to FIG. 7, another exemplary configuration of modules orblocks 34 is illustrated and this exemplary configuration provides apressure sensor module 34D. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, thepower module is a battery block 34E such as, for example, a coin cellbattery block. In this block 34E, a coin battery 82 delivers a littleover 3 Volts stepped up to 5 Volts by the illustrated exemplaryelectronic circuit. The circuit also includes a discharge protectioncircuit, which demonstrates an example of how the electronic buildingsystem 30 may be designed to make the system easier to use and safe forusers. The circuit may also include an embedded switch that enables auser to turn on or off the battery block 34E so as not to waste batterypower. The next block connected to the battery block 34E is the pressuresensor module 34D, which reads the amount of pressure applied to apressure sensor component 86 and outputs voltage in the range of 0 to 5Volts depending on the amount of pressure applied. As more pressure isapplied to the pressure sensor component 86, higher voltage transmits tothe next modules. In this example, the next modules include a vibratingmotor block 34F and an LED block 34G, both of which respectively vibratemore and illuminate brighter as the applied pressure increases. FIGS. 3,4, and 7, among others, illustrate how the electronic building system 30is standalone and requires no hardware platform or computer to beconnected. The above-described exemplary system could be used, forexample, by a child wanting to create his/her version of a carnival'sstrength meter. As pressure is applied with more strength through afinger or hammer, the toy vibrates more and the LED 98 gets brighter.

In some exemplary embodiments, each module 34 may include control andprotection circuitry to facilitate safe and easy operation of the module34. Additionally, each module 34 may include an operational amplifiercomponent used in a buffer configuration in order to reduce the amountof overall current consumption on the overall system 30 of coupledmodules 34. This assists with facilitating the cascading of multiplemodules 34 without significant loss of power, as well as scaling thesystem 30 as may be desired. In other exemplary embodiments, the system30 may include a booster module in the overall system of coupled modules34 in order to boost the current and/or power traveling through thepower lines and ensure proper functioning of all the modules 34 in thesystem 30.

Beyond being able to produce discrete behaviors by cascading modules 34,the electronic building system 30 allows for programming of certainbehavior and aesthetic of the modules 34 through controls. In FIG. 8, anexemplary Red Green Blue (RGB) LED block 34H is shown. In this module34H, the output color of the RGB LED 102 is controlled by the value of acombination of three potentiometers or knobs 106 provided in the module34H. By changing the value of each potentiometer (one for Red, one forGreen, one for Blue) using a screwdriver 110 or other device, the useris able to adjust the LED 102 to a desired color. In other exemplaryembodiments, the potentiometers 106 of this block 34H could be providedoff the circuit board itself, and the color of the RGB LED 102 could bemodified externally. In further exemplary embodiments, thepotentiometers may include knobs or other manually adjustable devices,thereby eliminating the need for tools to perform adjustment.

Yet another example of programming behavior in the electronic buildingsystem 30 through controls is shown in FIG. 9. Again, the user is ableto program behavior of the circuit by manipulating physical elements andwithout any code writing. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, a 9Volt battery 114 is shown and is part of the power module 341, which isconnected to a temperature sensor module 34J including a thresholdcomponent, followed by an audio module 34K. In this example, thetemperature sensor module 34J may be more advanced than a traditionalsensor module. The block 34J features a potentiometer 118 that may beadjusted to set a temperature threshold. If the temperature detected bya temperature sensor 122 is above the set temperature threshold, themodule 34J outputs a high reading. This is an example of integratinglogic with the simpler analog blocks in order to enable complex circuitconfigurations. In this example, an output of a high reading from thetemperature sensor module 34J will cause the audio module 34K toactivate and a speaker 126 to play a pre-recorded message associatedwith a high reading. For instance, this exemplary circuit could be usedby a person wishing to have an alarm to turn on the Air Conditioning.When the temperature exceeds a pre-set threshold temperature, the audiomodule 34K could play back a message “time to turn on the AC!” Also, theaudio module 34K may instead be replaced with a fan module, which mayactivate upon receiving a high temperature reading signal from thetemperature sensor module 34J.

In some exemplary embodiments, the temperature sensor module mayincorporate a mode switch 130 that can flip the behavior of the block34J from ‘normally-low’ to ‘normally-high’. In contrast to the firstexplained configuration (which was normally-low), a ‘normally-high’setting would cause the module 34J to output a high reading except whenthe temperature exceeds the threshold. This means the audio module 34Kwould be playing recurrently until the room gets warmer, at which pointthe audio module 34K will cease to output audio. These controls, inaddition to pre-programmed blocks, logic blocks and state blocks, willallow the system 30 to enable complex prototypes and circuits with noprogramming or electronics knowledge.

Referring now to FIG. 10, an exemplary kit 132 is illustrated. In theillustrated exemplary embodiment, the kit 132 may include a plurality ofmodules or blocks 34 and a substrate or mounting board 134, upon whichmodules 34 may be placed, supported, and or connected. The mountingboard 134 may be any size and be made of any material. In some exemplaryembodiments, the mounting board 134 is made of a non-conductivematerial. Additionally, the kit 132 may include a container 138 in whichthe modules 34 may be stored when not in use. The plurality of blocks 34and substrate 134 may be the beginning of a kit or library that a useradds to by creating or acquiring new modules and kits, all fittingtogether as part of the electronic building system 30. The previousdescriptions and drawings aim to serve as examples of configurations andmodules enabled by the system. These are by no means restrictive orlimiting, and those of ordinary skill in the art will understand andappreciate the existence of variations, combinations, and equivalents ofthe embodiments, methods, and examples herein.

With reference to FIGS. 11-16, the modules 34L, 34M, 34N, 34P, 34Q, and34R may be uniquely configured to provide a quick visual indication to auser of each module's function. The modules may be uniquely configuredin any manner and have any characteristic to identify the functionalityof the modules. Additionally, any portion of the module 34 may beuniquely configured and have any characteristic to represent the uniqueconfiguration feature. For example, the modules may have acharacteristic that uniquely identifies the modules by color-coding,patterning, or may include unique structuring such as shapes, housings,interconnection or couplings, etc. The illustrated exemplary embodimentsdemonstrate color-coding of the connectors 38 as the exemplary manner ofuniquely configuring modules to provide visual indicators as to thefunction of the modules. However, it should be understood that thisexemplary illustrated embodiment of color-coding connectors 38 is notintended to be limiting and the modules may be uniquely configured inany manner and be within the spirit and scope of the present invention.The functionality of the modules identified by the unique configurationsand characteristics may be any type or level of functionality. Forexample, the unique configurations may indicate that the modules areinput modules, power modules, wire modules, output modules, etc. Inother examples, the unique configurations of the modules may be morespecific such as, for example, an LED module, a 9-volt battery module, acell battery module, a potentiometer module, a switch module, a pressuresensor module, a pulse module, a button module, a vibration motormodule, a wire module, etc.

In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, color-coding provides the userwith a quick visual confirmation of the type of module, thefunctionality of the module, as well as allowing the user to learn whichcolor combinations are possible. To represent connectors 38 havingvarious colors in FIGS. 11-16, the connectors 38 are shaded in differentmanners. Shading connectors 38 in different manners to illustratevarious colors is an exemplary manner of representing various colors andis not intended to be limiting. Other manners of representing differentcolors are contemplated and all of such are intended to be within thespirit and scope of the present invention. Additionally, the connectors38 are capable of having any color and are not limited to the exemplarycolors and associated shading included in the figures.

According to one exemplary embodiment as shown in FIG. 11, wire modules34L may include orange connectors 38L. Upon reading the instructionmanual, receiving on-line instruction, or through trial-and-error, theuser learns that orange connectors 38L may connect to other orangeconnectors 38L, to green connectors 38M, 38N of output modules (FIG. 12depicting a bar graph 34M, and FIG. 13 depicting a vibration motor 34N),and/or to pink connectors 38P, 38Q of input modules (FIG. 14 depicting apulse module 34P, and FIG. 15 depicting a pressure sensor 34Q),depending on the system 30 the user is attempting to build. Each system30 will likely require a power module (FIG. 16 depicting a wall powermodule 34R), which will include blue color-coded connectors 38Raccording to one exemplary embodiment. In this illustrated exemplaryembodiment and with reference to FIG. 17 illustrating a kit 132associated with the exemplary system, the kit 132 may include a bluepower module 34R, one or more orange wire modules 34L, a plurality ofpink input modules 34P, 34Q, 34S, 34T, and a plurality of green outputmodule 34M, 34N, 34U, 34V. Other exemplary kits may include any numberof modules 34 including any possible functionality and be within theintended spirit and scope of the present invention.

Referring now to FIG. 18, another exemplary system 30 is illustratedincluding a plurality of exemplary modules 34W, 34X, and 34Y and amounting board or substrate 148 upon which to couple and support themodules. The system 30 illustrated in FIG. 18 is capable of includingany type of module described herein or any other type of module havingany type of functionality. Thus, the exemplary modules illustrated anddescribed herein in connection with FIG. 18 are not intended to belimiting. The mounting board 148 may be any size and may be made of anymaterial. In some exemplary embodiments, the mounting board 148 may be 4inches by 12 inches. In other exemplary embodiments, the mounting board148 may be made of any non-conductive material. In further exemplaryembodiments, the mounting board 148 may be broken up or otherwiseseparated into smaller portions to a desired size appropriate to thedesired application. In such embodiments, the mounting board 148 mayeither be made of a material and have a configuration that enablesbreaking or separation of the mounting board 148 into smaller portions,or the mounting board 148 may include perforations, areas of decreasedthickness, or other structural characteristics that providepredetermined locations for facilitating easy breaking or separating ofthe mounting board 148 into smaller portions.

As indicated above, modules are adapted to have a variety of differenttypes of functionality and include the appropriate connectors, circuitboards, and associated electrical components coupled to the circuitboards to perform the desired functionality. The modules shown in theillustrated exemplary embodiment are for exemplary and demonstrativepurposes, and are not intended to be limiting. The exemplary illustratedmodules include a wall power module 34W (power), a bar graph module 34X(input), and an LED module 34Y (output).

Referring now to FIGS. 19-21, each module 34X and 34Y is illustrated andeach includes a pair of connectors 152 and a circuit board 156appropriate to the desired functionality of the module. The module caninclude the appropriate electrical components to perform the desiredfunctionality of the module. Each connector 152 includes a housing 160comprised of two portions 160′, 160″ (see FIG. 21) coupled together, apair of magnets 164, and a plurality of electrical conductors 168. Thetwo portions of the housing 160 may be coupled together in a variety ofmanners such as, for example, heat staking, ultrasonic welding,adhesion, press-fit, friction-fit, interference-fit, snap fit or otherpositive locking manner, etc, and may be made of a variety of differentmaterials such as, for example, plastic (e.g., ABS plastic), or othernonconductive materials. A first portion 160′ of the housing defines acavity 172 for receiving the second portion 160″ of the housing therein.The cavity 172 is complementarily shaped to the second portion 160″ toensure a top surface 176 of the second portion 160″ is substantiallyflush with a top surface 180 of the first portion 160′ (see FIGS. 20 and21) and a side surface 184 of the second portion 160″ is flush with aside surface 188 of the first portion 160′ when the two portions 160′,160″ are coupled together.

The first portion 160′ of the housing also defines a pair of magnetapertures 192 (see FIG. 21) in a side surface 196 thereof in which themagnets 164 are supported. In the illustrated embodiment, the magnets164 are cylindrical in shape, thereby providing a circular cross-sectiontaken along a plane perpendicular to a longitudinal extent of the magnet164. Thus, the magnet apertures 192 defined in the first portion 160′ ofthe housing are circular in shape. It should be understood that themagnets 164 may having any shape and the magnet apertures 192 maysimilarly have any shape that complements the shape of the magnets 164.For example, if the cross-sectional shape of the magnets is square, thenthe magnet apertures in the first portion of the housing may be square.In other exemplary embodiments, the magnet apertures may have shapesthat are not complementary to the shape of the magnet. In suchembodiments, the magnetic aperture may be any shape that inhibits themagnet from passing through the magnetic aperture and escaping thehousing 160 of the connector. For example, the magnet may be cylindricalin shape, thereby providing a circular cross-section, and the magnetaperture may be square such that the square is sized sufficiently smallto inhibit the magnet from passing through the aperture.

Additionally, the first portion 160′ of the housing defines electricalconductor apertures 200 in the side surface 196 thereof for receivingand supporting a portion of the electrical conductors 168 (described inmore detail below). In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, theelectrical conductor apertures 200 are circular in shape complementaryto the shape of a portion of the electrical conductors 168 receivedtherein. Similarly to the magnet apertures 192, the electrical conductorapertures 200 may have any shape and be complementary to the shape of aportion of the electrical conductors 168 received therein.

The first portion 160′ of the housing further defines a plurality ofconductor slots 204 (see FIG. 21) in a bottom surface 208 thereof forreceiving the conductors 168 therein when the housing 160 is assembled.Each conductor slot 204 includes an upper end 212 having a firstdimension, a bottom end 216 having a second dimension smaller than thefirst dimension, and tapered side surfaces 220 tapering from large tosmall from the upper end 212 to the lower end 216. The shape of theconductor slots 204 is complementary to the shape of the electricalconductors 168 in order to provide sufficient support to the electricalconductors 168 when the housing 160 is assembled.

Further, the first portion 160′ of the housing includes a pair ofprojections 224 extending downward from a bottom surface 208 thereof forcoupling the connector 152 to the circuit board 156 of the module 34. Inthe illustrated exemplary embodiment, the projections 224 arecylindrical in shape and may insert into apertures 228 (see FIG. 20)defined in the circuit board 156. Subsequently to inserting theprojections 224 into the circuit board apertures 228, the projections224 may be deformed to inhibit them from withdrawing from the apertures228 in the circuit board 156. The projections 224 may be deformed in avariety of different manners such as, for example, melting or heatingthe projections 224, bending, smashing, or any other manner thatsufficiently deforms the projections 224 to inhibit them fromwithdrawing from the apertures 228 in the circuit board 156.

The housing 160 also defines a receptacle 232 in a side surface thereofand includes a projection 236 extending from the side surface andpositioned adjacent the receptacle 232. Such a receptacle 232 andprojection 236 are included in each connector housing 160 and assistwith proper alignment and coupling together of modules 34. Thereceptacle 232 is shaped complementary to a shape of the projection 236such that when a projection 236 is received in the receptacle 232 theprojection 236 substantially fills the receptacle 232. When coupling twomodules 34 together, such as modules 34X and 34Y, the connectors 152 arealigned with the projection 236 on each connector 152 substantiallyaligned with the receptacle 232 on the other connector 152, and themodules 34X and 34Y are moved together until the magnetic force of thefour magnets 164 on the two connectors 152 is sufficient to pull theconnectors 152 together, thereby causing the projections 236 to insertinto the receptacles 232. Upon connection, the projections 236 andreceptacles 232 of the connectors 152 cooperate to inhibit substantiallateral and vertical movement of the modules 34X and 34Y relative to oneanother.

With continued reference to FIGS. 19-21, the first portion 160′ of thehousing includes a pair of mounting members 240 extending downward therefrom and adapted to engage complementarily shaped receptacles 244defined in the mounting board 148 (see FIG. 18). The mounting members240 and the receptacles 244 are configured to provide adequate supportto the modules 34 when mounted on the mounting board 148. In theillustrated exemplary embodiment, the mounting members 240 have a shapecomprised of a quarter of a circle and the receptacles 244 on themounting board 148 are circular in shape (see, e.g., FIG. 19 regardingmounting members 240). When two connectors 152 on adjacent modules 34are coupled together, the two mounting members 240 on the two connectors152 form a semicircle that may friction fit into the receptacles 244 inthe mounting board 148. The circuit board 156 can have various lengthsand widths configured to provide appropriate spacing between the modules34 and the mounting board 148. For example, as shown in FIG. 18, thecircuit board 156 included in module 34Y has a length such that with theconnectors 152 disposed on each end of the circuit board 156, themounting members 240 on one end of the circuit board 156 are disposedwithin receptacles 244 that are spaced four receptacles away from thereceptacles 244 in which the mounting members 240 on the opposite end ofthe circuit board 156 are disposed. Said another way, there are threereceptacles 244 between connectors 152 on the opposite ends of thecircuit board 156 of module 34Y. In another example, the circuit board156 included in module 34X shown in FIG. 18, has a length that is longerthan a length of the circuit board of module 34Y. For module 34X, theconnectors 152 disposed on each end of the circuit board 156 aredisposed in receptacles 244 that are spaced five receptacles away fromthe receptacles 244 in which the mounting members 240 on the oppositeend of the circuit board 156 of module 34X are disposed. In thisexample, there are four receptacles 244 between the connector 152 on theopposite ends of the circuit board 156 of module 34Y. Thus, the circuitboard 156 can be provided with various lengths, while also accommodatingappropriate spacing between receptacles 244 on the mounting board 148.

In addition, when two connectors 152 are coupled together as shown inFIG. 19, an outer edge surface 157 of the circuit board 156 can bedisposed substantially flush with an outer surface 151 of the connectors152. Alternatively, the outer edge surface of the circuit board can bedisposed inward or outward of the outer surface of the connectors. Inother words, in such alternatives, the outer edge surface is not flushwith the outer surface of the connectors.

With continued reference to FIGS. 19-21, the electrical conductors 168have a spring characteristic that allows for movement of the conductors168 as a result of forces applied thereto. This spring characteristicthat facilitates movement of the conductors 168 helps maintain contactwith electrical conductors 168 on an adjacent module 34 coupled to thepresent module 34 during manipulation of the modules 34. Suchmanipulation may result in forces applied to the modules 34 causingmovement of the modules 34 relative to one another. In some embodiments,the electrical conductors 168 on adjacent modules can have differentlengths such that the electrical conductors 168 extend from the housing160 at varying distances. For example, the electrical conductors 168shown in FIG. 19 have a length that is greater than a length of theelectrical conductors 168 shown in FIG. 20. In such embodiments, aconnector 152 having electrical conductors 168 such as those in FIG. 19can be coupled to a connector 152 having electrical conductors 168 suchas those shown in FIG. 20, and the corresponding electrical conductors168 can exert a spring-force (or bias-force) on each other tosubstantially maintain the positioning of the coupled sets of electricalconductors 168 while the two connectors 152 are coupled together. Inother words, as described above for previous embodiments, a connector152 can be a male connector or a female connector that can be matinglycoupled together with the other type of connector (e.g., a femaleconnector or a male connector, respectively). In the illustratedexemplary embodiment, each electrical conductor 168 includes anengagement portion 248 (see FIG. 21) positioned within a respectiveelectrical conductor aperture 200, a coupling portion 252 extendingdownward and adapted to engage and electrically communicate with thecircuit board 156, and a middle portion 256 (see FIG. 21) extendingbetween the engagement portion 248 and the coupling portion 252. Theengagement portion 248 is adapted to engage an electrical conductor 168of an adjacent module 34 coupled to the present module 34. Due to theelectrical conductor 168 being made of a conductive material, theelectrical current travels through the electrical conductor 168 of thepresent module 34 to its circuit board 156. Each electrical conductor168 includes an enlarged portion 260 (see FIG. 21) positioned betweenends of the conductor 168 that fits into a respective conductor slot204. The enlarged portion 260 has a complementary shape to the conductorslot 204 to provide vertical and horizontal support to the electricalconductor 168 when the housing 160 is assembled. In the illustratedexemplary embodiment, the enlarged portion 260 includes a taperedportion 264 (see FIG. 21) that complements the tapered surfaces 220 ofthe conductor slot 204.

Referring now to FIGS. 22 and 23, a support member 268 is coupled to twocoupled together modules 34 to provide additional support to the coupledmodules 34. In some exemplary embodiments, the support member 268 isused instead of the mounting board 148 to provide modules 34 withadditional support. In other exemplary embodiments, the support member268 may be configured to allow both the support member 268 and themounting board 148 to provide support to two coupled together modules34. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the support member 268includes a pair of receptacles 280 defined in a top surface 276 thereoffor receiving mounting members 240 of coupled together modules 34. Thereceptacles 280 in the support members 268 are similarly sized, shapedand spaced apart as the receptacles 244 in the mounting board 148. Thesupport member 268 also has a height H that, when two modules 34 arecoupled to each other and to the support member 268, a top surface 276of the support member 268 is substantially flush with and mates orengages with a bottom surface 288 of the housing 160. Also in theillustrated exemplary embodiment, the support member 268 includes awidth W1 that is substantially similar to a width W2 of two coupledtogether connectors 152 and a length L1 that is substantially similar toa length L2 of the two coupled together modules 34. Alternatively, thesupport member 268 may have configurations different than theillustrated exemplary embodiment as long as the support member 268provides support to coupled together modules 34. When multiple modules34 in a system 30 are coupled together, a support member 268 may becoupled to each pair of coupled together connectors 152 in the system30. Thus, the system 30 may include any number of support members 268therein and be within the intended spirit and scope of the presentinvention.

The exemplary systems 30 disclosed herein are adapted to cooperate withother types of systems to bring the functionality and features of theexemplary systems 30 to the other types of systems. The exemplarysystems 30 may cooperate with any type of other system and be within theintended spirit and scope of the present invention. With reference toFIGS. 24 and 25, an exemplary mounting board 148 of an exemplary system30 of the present invention is shown cooperating with a toy buildingblock system 292 such as, for example, a LEGO® building block system292. The illustrated exemplary systems are not intended to be limiting,but, rather, are for exemplary and demonstrative purposes. In theillustrated exemplary embodiment, the mounting board 148 is configuredto cooperate with the exemplary LEGO® building block system 292 and, inparticular, is configured to couple to a LEGO® building block system292. A first side 296 of the mounting board 148 (e.g., a top side)includes the plurality of receptacles 244 appropriately spaced forreceiving connectors 152 of modules 34. A second side 298 of themounting board 148 (e g , a bottom side) includes a plurality ofprojections 300 having cavities 304 defined therein that areappropriately spaced from one another to facilitate coupling to theLEGO® building block system 292. As indicated above, the systems 30 ofthe present invention may couple to any type of other systems and,accordingly, the second side 298 of the mounting board 148 may beconfigured in any manner to accommodate any type of other system towhich the mounting board 148 is intended to couple.

It should be understood that the structures, features, functionality,and other characteristics of the various exemplary embodiments of thesystems disclosed herein and illustrated in FIGS. 1-25 may be combinedwith each other in any manner and in any combination and all suchmanners and combinations are intended to be within the spirit and scopeof the present invention. For example, an adapter(s) or foot member canbe included to adjust the height of a connector such that differentconnector embodiments can be coupled to a common circuit board ordifferent circuit board/connector combinations can be coupled together.For example, an adapter can be coupled to a bottom portion of theconnector 38A (see FIG. 5) to increase a length or height of theconnector 38A such that the connector 38A can be coupled to a circuitboard 156 along with a connector 152. In another example, an adapter canbe coupled to a bottom portion of the connector 38M (see FIG. 12) toincrease a length or height of the connector 38M relative to a circuitboard such that the connector 38M can be coupled to a different circuitboard 156 having a connector 152. Such adapters can be, for example,adhesively coupled to a bottom portion of the connector 38A or connector38M. In some embodiments, the adapter can include a mounting member orportion similar to the mounting members 240 described above, such thatthe adapter can engage complementarily shaped receptacles (e.g.,receptacles 244 described above) defined in a mounting board (e.g.,mounting board 148 shown in FIG. 18).

Although embodiments of modules 34 are shown and described as having aconnector (e.g., connectors 38 and 152) coupled to one end or twoopposite ends or edges of a circuit board (e.g., circuit boards 46 and156), in other embodiments, a module 34 can include connectors coupledto more than two ends or edges of a circuit board. For example, FIGS.26A-26D are each a schematic illustration of a top view of a moduleincluding a circuit board and one or more connectors. The modules ofFIGS. 26A-26D can include various different embodiments of a connectorand/or circuit board as described herein.

FIG. 26A illustrates a module 334A including a circuit board 356A, andone connector 352A coupled to a single edge or end portion of thecircuit board 356A. FIG. 26B illustrates a module 334B including acircuit board 356B, and two connectors 352B coupled to a single edge orend portion of the circuit board 356B. FIG. 26C illustrates a module334C including a circuit board 356C, and three connectors 352C coupledto three different edges or end portions of the circuit board 356C. FIG.26D illustrates a module 334D including a circuit board 356D, and fourconnectors 352D coupled to four different edges or end portions of thecircuit board 356D.

FIGS. 27A and 27B are schematic illustrations of embodiments of a moduleshowing side edges of a circuit board in relation to a side edge orsurface of a connector. FIG. 27A illustrates a module 434A having acircuit board 456A and two connectors 452A coupled to the circuit board456A. In this embodiment, when the connectors 452A are coupled to thecircuit board 456A, side edges 457A of the circuit board 456A aredisposed inward of side edges or surfaces 451A of the connectors 452A.Although not shown, in other embodiments, the side edges of a circuitboard can be disposed outward of side edges or surfaces of theconnectors. FIG. 27B illustrates a module 434B having a circuit board456B and two connectors 452B coupled to the circuit board 456B. In thisembodiment, when the connectors 452B are coupled to the circuit board456B, side edges 457B of the circuit board 456B are disposedsubstantially flush with side edges or surfaces 451B of the connectors452B.

As described above in the many examples of modules and systems, numerousmodules may be coupled together to achieve various functionalities ofthe systems. Modules may be coupled in a cascading manner in which theinclusion of one module in the system may affect the functionality ofdownstream modules in a first manner and inclusion of a different modulein the system may affect the function of downstream modules in anothermanner different than the first manner. That is, modules coupledtogether in a system may have dependencies upon one another to affectfunctionality thereof and of the entire system. A simple example todemonstrate this concept, but is not intended to be limiting, comprisesa system include three modules: A power module, a button module, and anLED module. The button module and the LED module are dependent on thepower module, and the LED module is dependent on the button module. Todemonstrate the dependency of the button module and the LED module onthe power module considering the following: If the power module is notproviding any power, then neither the button module nor the LED modulecan operate in their intended manner. Similarly, to demonstrate thedependency of the LED module on the button module, if the button is notdepressed or otherwise activated to close the circuit, the LED modulewill not be illuminated, and if the button is depressed, the LED modulewill be illuminated. In other words, cascading modules in a systemaffect operation and functionality of downstream modules.

The foregoing description has been presented for purposes ofillustration and description, and is not intended to be exhaustive or tolimit the invention to the precise form disclosed. The descriptions wereselected to explain the principles of the invention and their practicalapplication to enable others skilled in the art to utilize the inventionin various embodiments and various modifications as are suited to theparticular use contemplated. Although particular constructions of thepresent invention have been shown and described, other alternativeconstructions will be apparent to those skilled in the art and arewithin the intended scope of the present invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus, comprising: a first circuit boardhaving a first side surface, a second side surface opposite the firstside surface, a first end surface and a second end surface opposite thefirst end surface, the first side surface and the second side surfaceeach being different than both the first end surface and the second endsurface, the first circuit board defining a width between the first sidesurface and the second side surface, the first circuit board defining alength between the first end surface and the second end surface; a firstconnector mounted to the circuit board; and a second connector mountedto the circuit board such that an exterior end surface of the secondconnector is disposed substantially perpendicular to an exterior endsurface of the first connector, the first connector including at leastone first conductor configured to engage a second conductor on a thirdconnector coupled to a second circuit board, the second connectorincluding at least one third conductor configured to engage a fourthconductor on a fourth connector coupled to a third circuit board.
 2. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein the first connector includes a firstmounting portion configured to be removably coupled to a mounting boardand a second mounting portion configured to be removably coupled to themounting board, the second connector includes a first mounting portionconfigured to be removably coupled to the mounting board and a secondmounting portion configured to be removably coupled to the mountingboard.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a mounting boardhaving a first side defining a plurality of openings and a second sideincluding a plurality of projections, the first connector and the secondconnector each configured to be removably coupled to the first side ofthe mounting board, the second side of the mounting board configured tobe removably coupled to at least one block having a projection and beingfrom an interlocking block system.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, whereinthe first connector has a first height and includes a first mountingportion and a second mounting portion each configured to be removablycoupled to a mounting board, the apparatus further comprising: a firstadapter configured to be coupled to a bottom surface of the firstmounting portion; and a second adapter configured to be coupled to abottom surface of the second mounting portion, the first connectorhaving a second height when the first adapter and the second adapter arecoupled to the first connector, the second height being greater than thefirst height.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second connectorincludes a first mounting portion and a second mounting portion, theapparatus further comprising: the second circuit board, the thirdconnector mounted to the second circuit board, the third connector ofthe second circuit board including a first mounting portion and a secondmounting portion, the first mounting portion of the second connectorconfigured to be removably coupled to a mounting board and the secondmounting portion of the second electrical connector configured to beremovably coupled to the mounting board, the first mounting portion ofthe third connector mounted to the second circuit board configured to beremovably coupled to a mounting board and the second mounting portion ofthe third connector configured to be removably coupled to the mountingboard.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one firstconductor of the first connector has an engagement portion configured toengage the second conductor on the third connector of the second circuitboard, and has a coupling portion monolithically formed with theengagement portion.
 7. An apparatus, comprising: a first circuit boardhaving a length, a first exterior side surface along the length and asecond exterior side surface along the length on an opposite side of thefirst circuit board; a first connector including an exterior sidesurface and an exterior end surface different than the exterior sidesurface of the first connector, the first connector mounted to the firstcircuit board such that one of the first exterior side surface and thesecond exterior side surface of the first circuit board is substantiallyaligned in a same plane with the exterior side surface of the firstconnector, the first connector having a first conductor, a portion ofthe first conductor extending from the exterior end surface of the firstconnector cond circuit board having a length, a first exterior sidesurface along the length and a second exterior side surface along thelength on an opposite side of the second circuit board; and a secondconnector having an exterior side surface and an exterior end surfacedifferent than the exterior side surface of the second connector, thesecond connector mounted to the second circuit board such that one ofthe first exterior side surface and the second exterior side surface ofthe second circuit board is substantially aligned in a same plane withthe exterior side surface of the second connector, the second connectorhaving a second conductor, a portion of the second conductor extendingfrom the exterior end surface of the second connector.
 8. The apparatusof claim 7, wherein the exterior end surface of the first connector andthe exterior end surface of the second connector each includes a firstelongate portion extending in a vertical direction and a second elongateportion extending in a horizontal direction, the first elongate portionof the first connector configured to contact the first elongate portionof the second connector, the second elongate portion of the firstconnector configured to contact the second elongate portion of thesecond connector when the first connector is coupled to the secondconnector.
 9. The apparatus of claim 7, further comprising: a mountingboard having a first side defining a plurality of openings and a secondside including a plurality of projections, the first connector and thesecond connector each configured to be removably coupled to the firstside of the mounting board, the second side of the mounting boardconfigured to be removably coupled to at least one block having aprojection and being from an interlocking block system.
 10. Theapparatus of claim 7, wherein: the first connector includes a firstmounting portion configured to be received within a first opening from aplurality of openings defined in a mounting board and a second mountingportion configured to be received within a second opening from theplurality of openings defined in the mounting board to removably couplethe first circuit board to the mounting board, the second connectorincludes a first mounting portion configured to be received within thefirst opening in the mounting board and a second mounting portionconfigured to be received within the second opening in the mountingboard to removably couple the second circuit board to the mountingboard.
 11. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the first connector has afirst height and includes a first mounting portion and a second mountingportion each configured to be removably coupled to a mounting board, theapparatus further comprising: a first adapter configured to be coupledto a bottom surface of the first mounting portion; and a second adapterconfigured to be coupled to a bottom surface of the second mountingportion, the first connector having a second height when the firstadapter and the second adapter are coupled to the first connector, thesecond height being greater than the first height.
 12. The apparatus ofclaim 7, wherein: the first connector includes a first mounting portionconfigured to be received within a first opening defined in a supportmember and a second mounting portion configured to be received within asecond opening defined in the support member, the second connectorincludes a first mounting portion configured to be received within thefirst opening of the support member and a second mounting portionconfigured to be received within the second opening of the supportmember, the support member configured to maintain the first connectorcoupled to the second connector.
 13. An apparatus, comprising: a circuitboard having a first end surface and a second end surface; a firstconnector having a first housing fixedly coupled directly to the circuitboard at a first end portion of the circuit board, the first end portionincluding the first end surface of the circuit board, the firstconnector having a first mounting portion and a second mounting portion,the first mounting portion configured to be removably coupled to amounting board, the second mounting portion configured to be removablycoupled to the mounting board,; and a second connector having a secondhousing fixedly coupled directly to the circuit board at a second endportion of the circuit board, the second end portion including thesecond end surface of the circuit board, the second connector having athird mounting portion configured to be removably coupled to themounting board and a fourth mounting portion configured to be removablycoupled to the mounting board, the circuit board, the first connectorand the second connector collectively having a length and configured tobe collectively removably coupled to the mounting board such that (1)the first mounting portion and the second mounting member are eachdisposed at a first location along one of a length of the mounting boardand (2) the third mounting portion and the fourth mounting portion areeach disposed at a second location along the length of the mountingboard, a distance between the first location and the second locationsubstantially coinciding with the collective length of the circuitboard, the first connector and the second connector.
 14. The apparatusof claim 13, further comprising: the mounting board, the mounting boardconfigured to be removably coupled to at least one block from aninterlocking block system.
 15. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein thecircuit board is a first circuit board, the apparatus furthercomprising: a second circuit board; and a connector coupled to thesecond circuit board, the connector including a first mounting portionconfigured to be removably coupled to the mounting board and a secondmounting portion configured to be removably coupled to the mountingboard to removably couple the second circuit board to the mountingboard.
 16. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the first connector has afront surface and a conductor, at least a portion of the conductorextending from the front surface of the first connector and configuredto engage a conductor on a connector coupled to a second circuit board.17. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the first connector has a firstheight, the apparatus further comprising: a first adapter configured tobe coupled to a bottom surface of the first mounting portion; and asecond adapter configured to be coupled to a bottom surface of thesecond mounting portion, the first connector having a second height whenthe first adapter and the second adapter are coupled to the firstconnector, the second height being greater than the first height. 18.The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the first housing of the firstconnector and the second housing of the second connector each includes afirst housing portion coupled to a second housing portion.
 19. Theapparatus of claim 13, further comprising: at least one electricalcomponent disposed on a top surface of the circuit board and between thefirst connector and the second connector such that the electricalcomponent is visibly and physically accessible to a user.
 20. Theapparatus of claim 13, wherein: the first mounting portion and thesecond mounting portion of the first connector complimentarily mate witha first portion of the mounting board and a second portion of themounting board, respectively, the third mounting portion and the fourthmounting portion of the second connector complimentarily mate with athird portion of the mounting board and a fourth portion of the mountingboard, respectively.